The Muldoon Farmers Market—opening just after we pass Summer Solstice—is a celebration of both a growing market and a new venue.

The market previously called Begich Middle School its home. With the recent grand opening of the new Chanshtnu Muldoon Park, the market is moving to the park, which was designed partly with the market in mind.

"The market has planned since its creation to eventually move into the new park," says Forrest Dunbar, a member of the Muldoon Farmers Market Board and the Anchorage Assembly. "We wanted a location that is more visible from Muldoon Road.

"From the beginning of the Chanshtnu Muldoon Parks 'build out,' hosting the Muldoon Farmers Market has been a specific, shared goal of the municipality and the market. Some of the features of the park are specifically designed to accommodate the market, so we're hoping that it gives it a great, welcoming feel."

Jerrianne Lowther, the market spokesperson, says among the returning vendors for the opening market include Arctic Wonder Marketplace and Ba-Lescas Brothers. The market is open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Dunbar says the owners of the Muldoon Town Center Mall, which sits north of the market, are allowing market guests to use the mall's parking lot to relieve any overcrowding at the park's lot.

Anchorage Farmers Market

Sarah Bean of Arctic Organics says as summer arrives, so are more fresh veggies.

"We'll be adding to the menu this week," Bean says. "We should have the first harvest of greens mix, along with more arugula, lettuce, scallions and basil! Maybe even some pac choi.

"The most difficult part of this slow, cold spring is keeping our customers waiting. Just remember, everything is planted and it will be coming all in good time."

Bean says the plant starts are thinning out, but they will have hanging baskets and herbs.

Rob Wells, The Persistent Farmer, also says planting season is wrapping up.

"This may the last week to get your dahlia starts," he says. "It's about time to take a mid-season break from markets and help the dahlias on the farm make their blooms."

Wells says in addition to a few dahlias, he will have Icelandic poppies, parsley, basil, dwarf dahlias and Tumbler tomato baskets.

There will be Arctic Choice Seafoods with Prince William Sound side stripe shrimp, sockeye salmon from King Cove, king salmon from Anita Bay, oysters from Karheen Passage, halibut, rockfish, sablefish and frozen options too.

Farm 779's stand at the market will include Pierre's Indigo and Kumquat tomato starts, which Julie Meer describes as "super-rich in antioxidants and beautiful sunset colors." And Meer also will have krauts, kvass, kombucha and coconut kefirs. Farm 779 also is at the Thankful Thursdays market and the Wednesday Farmers Market at Airport Heights.

New to the market this week from Rempel Family Farm is kale and cress. The Rempels also will have arugula, green cabbage, radishes, spinach, purple onions, fresh mint and nine varieties of last year's potatoes.

And Drool Central's fresh-baked dog treats will be at the market, along with the Solstice Block Party from noon to 6 p.m. on F Street downtown.

Center Market

Alex Davis of AD Farm will have rhubarb, carrots and potatoes at the market, along with plenty of eggs (chicken, duck, goose, turkey and Guinea), cuts of pork (chops, fresh side, ground pork, chorizo, sausage and other), raspberry jam, pumpkin butter and a variety of other items, including products from Alaska Sprouts and Alaska Flour Co.

Steve Edwards lives and writes in Anchorage. Contact him at akmarketfresh@gmail.com.